Country Program Leader – Agri-food, Energy and Water
Location: Vientiane, Lao PDR
Contract type: International contract, full-time
Duration: 2 years with potential extension
Start date: 1 October 2025
Application deadline: 27 August 2025

About SNV

SNV is a global development partner working in over 20 countries across Africa and Asia, with expertise in agri-food, energy, and water. With 60 years of experience and a team of 1,600 colleagues, SNV drives systemic change by strengthening institutions, reducing inequalities, and supporting climate adaptation and mitigation.

Role Overview

The Country Program Leader is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic direction, quality, and performance of SNV Lao PDR’s multi-sectoral portfolio. Reporting to the Country Director, the role will oversee programs, lead teams, strengthen partnerships, and contribute to business development, ensuring alignment with SNV’s 2025–2030 Strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Program Quality

• Provide strategic oversight of Agri-food, Energy, and Water programs

• Ensure cross-sectoral integration of climate adaptation, gender equality, and private sector engagement

• Lead high-quality program design and implementation, ensuring donor compliance

• Promote learning and reflection using MEL frameworks

Team Leadership and Staff Development

• Lead and mentor a team of 30 staff across 5 active projects (with more in pipeline)

• Strengthen technical capacity and professional development

• Foster a collaborative, performance-oriented culture

Stakeholder Engagement and Representation

• Represent SNV to donors, government, private sector, and development partners

• Build strategic relationships and contribute to policy dialogue

Business Development and Fundraising

• Drive proposal development and fundraising efforts

• Identify new funding opportunities and maintain a strong project pipeline

• Monitor sector trends and build donor relationships

Qualifications

Required

• Master’s degree in Agriculture, Environmental Science, Water Resource Management, Development Studies, or related field

• Minimum 8 years of leadership experience in international development, with multi-sector program management

• Experience managing large-scale, donor-funded programs across agri-food, energy, or water sectors

• Proven track record in business development and donor engagement

• Strong understanding of systems strengthening, climate adaptation, gender equality, and inclusive market development

• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English

Preferred

• Experience with integrated programming and private sector engagement

• Multi-stakeholder coordination experience with governments, donors, and private sector

• Familiarity with Lao PDR development context and policies

Working at SNV

• International, diverse workforce across 22 countries

• Strong focus on professional development and inclusion

• Commitment to safeguarding, with strict vetting and reference checks

How to Apply

Submit your CV and motivation letter by 27 August 2025 via the SNV website.
Reference checks and safeguarding vetting will be required before appointment.